Simulation Picks
Maximize Your Odds of Winning with SportsLine Model and Our Top-Rated Picks!
Maximize Your Odds of Winning with SportsLine Model and Our Top-Rated Picks!
Maximize Your Odds of Winning with SportsLine Model and Our Top-Rated Picks!
Expert Picks
I just think the wrong team is favored here. At first, I couldn’t get over the fact that Vladimir Gutierrez hasn’t even had one good start yet and that means a lot of innings for the Reds struggling bullpen. However, the Reds get Nick Senzel back to make their lineup stacked with righties. Drew Smyly allows a .311 batting average against righties and it won’t get any easier in that small stadium. The Cubs will be without Wilson Contreras again, and I think the Reds would win in a slugfest. I like the value on the home team.
I may need to have my head examined for backing Vladimir Gutierrez (0-5, 8.65), but he's simply not that bad -- and he was quite good against the Cubs as a rookie in 2021. The Reds have won nine of 15 games since a 3-22 start. They got Joey Votto back from the injured list over the weekend and he had a hit in every game of the Blue Jays series, including the game-winning homer on Sunday. Nick Senzel has been activated off the COVID list for this game. I simply don't think the Cubs -- who are without Willson Contreras -- should be road favorites over anyone. I believe Cincinnati has a very good chance of winning (FiveThirtyEight has Cincy winning 51 percent of time) but will take the RL at -150. Chicago's Drew Smyly is 0-4 with a 5.85 ERA at night this year.